§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to introduce a licensed qualification for(a) bricklayers and (b) hairdressers; and if he will make a statement. [138960]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWe have no plans to introduce licensed qualifications for either bricklayers or hairdressers. While a statutory approach, such as a licence to practice or operate, may suit some industries, we believe that collaborative voluntary action will be the appropriate route for most sectors.
We have an excellent example of such an employer led initiative in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Major contractors have made a commitment to improve performance by requiring members of their workforce to hold an industry record card—normally the CSCS.
In the skills strategy we stated our determination to put employers' needs centre stage; it is for employers, not Government, to determine through their Sector Skills Council, whether this kind of agreement for collaborative action should be pursued.